The suspect, Siphosovuyo Yabo (21), made his first appearance in court on Monday (9/6) and was remanded in custody. 

He was arrested in connection with the murder of Bunono Alulutho Buba (19), a first-year Central University of Technology student. Buba was found with stab wounds to her neck and abdomen on Thursday (5/6) in a veld between Bongweni and Khayelitsha in Kuyasa, Colesberg. 

She was studying for a Bachelor of Education in ECO Management degree. 

“The case against Siphosovuyo Yabo was postponed to Thursday for further investigation,” said Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergio Kock. “The suspect was remanded in custody until the next court appearance. Kuyasa police are investigating a murder case after the discovery of the body in a veld in Kuyasa.”

It is alleged that in the early hours of Thursday (5/6), police received a report of people who were being attacked at a drinking establishment in Kuyasa, Colesberg. Upon arrival at the establishment, police found no one and they proceeded to the Manne Dipico hospital to check if any persons were receiving medical treatment.

Much-needed justice

At the hospital, a Volkswagen Golf stopped, and Yabo reported that his girlfriend was lying in the veld area between Bongweni and Khayelitsha. He was arrested in connection with the murder of Buba.

The Central University of Technology condemned the murder of Buba. “We call upon our students and staff to put the family of the deceased student in our prayers during these trying times,” said CUT dean of students Dr Bernard Sebake.

“We also urge our students, staff, and communities in Colesberg to put faith in law enforcement and cooperate in affording Ms Buba and her family much-needed justice.”

‘More needs to be done to fight crime effectively in the province’

At the release of the 2023/24, it was revealed that in the Northern Cape, there were 112 murder cases in the fourth quarter, up from 91 in the third quarter. The majority of victims were men, and many of the murders took place in homes among acquaintances.

“Most of our murders involve people who know each other; they were in the same dwelling, enjoying each other’s company, and the next moment, they fight and kill each other,” said Northern Cape police commissioner Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola. We have a serious challenge with crimes happening inside houses in the Northern Cape. 

“More needs to be done to fight crime effectively in the province. We cannot allow our homes to become crime scenes.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh